JASON Wilcox has no doubts that, whatever the outcome of a traumatic Ewood season, the good times are soon about to roll again for Blackburn Rovers under Brian Kidd.

Individually, it has been a memorable week for the England and Rovers winger, having put pen to paper on a new five-year deal.

And his priority this afternoon was to crown it with the team victory Rovers so desperately need against Middlesbrough in the battle for Premiership survival.

By accepting the new contract offer from Rovers, Wilcox, who is still only 27, has virtually made a commitment to spend his entire career with his only professional club.

No-one is more pleased about that act of faith in Ewood's future than the manager.

Kidd said: "It's really good when you think how long Jason has been here yet, even with our present position, he is still prepared to commit himself to a long-term contract.

"I think that speaks volumes for Jason and obviously shows what he thinks of the club."

Wilcox's commitment comes at a time when he believes he is playing the best football of his career.

But he pointed out: "It also shows the club have faith in me. It's a two-way thing.

"Because, if the worst was to happen and we were to go down, I would still be getting Premiership wages.

"I love this club and, for all the uncertainty of the last six months, it's great to know I have a manager who has faith in me as well.

"We are in a lull at the moment because of what happened previously and you know when you have only nine points from the first 15 games that you are going to be in the relegation scrap right to the end. "But, while we always knew that, we also know we have enough about us to get out.

"Earlier in the season, I never knew if I was going to be playing in the team and, if so, in what position.

"And when that happens, it's difficult to get any rhythm going and you start to question yourself.

"But we have a great manager, a lot of very good players and younger players who are also signing new contracts.

"I was delighted to sign and I wouldn't have done that unless I thought there were going to be great times ahead.

"No matter how much money you get, and we do get great money, it is still very important to be able to look forward to going into training every day and to be happy with what you are doing.

"Now we have to build on the win over Wimbledon and beat Middlesbrough. As long as we stay up, I am sure we can do well next season."

Wilcox, who has been at the club since signing schoolboy forms in 1986 and as a YTS player the following year, would qualify for a benefit year if he wanted it during the course of his new contract.

But that's a decision he has yet to make and three points from Boro this afternoon was the only objective on his mind.

Rovers will stage another 'Open Day' at Ewood next Thursday, with manager Brian Kidd conducting a first-team training session at the stadium. As well as watching training, fans will be able to collect autographs, meet the players and the club mascot Roar will be in attendance along with children's entertainers.

RoverVision will cover the day and the Red Rose Rock FM Thundertruck has also been lined up.

Nearly 4,000 fans attended the last 'Open Day' earlier in the season. Gates open at 9.30am with training starting an hour later. Admission and car parking are free. Anyone wanting to buy lunch can do so in the Red Rose Suite but advance booking is advisable.

Ewood business development manager Alan McColgan said: "The open day is always a success but we hope it will be bigger and better than ever on Thursday.

"It's a great opportunity for the fans to get a real close-up of their playing heroes and we have arranged everything with the Easter holiday break in mind."

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